The extremely anticipated DJI Avata 2 has taken the drone world by storm, and with it comes the demand for its important equipment, too. That’s led to a present snag for pilots in search of the official DJI Avata 2 ND filters; they’re out of inventory at many retailers, together with DJI’s personal on-line store.
The Avata 2 has definitely been fashionable. A lot in order that DJI has capped the variety of Avata 2 drones you should purchase at three models. DJI says it’s cancelling extra models bought past three. Certain, you may get round that by shopping for three from DJI, after which some from different retailers like Amazon and B&H. (And don’t overlook our favourite, little man RC sellers to buy from, GetFPV.)
However irrespective of the place you store, Avata 2 ND filters appear to be offered out just about all over the place. That mentioned, it is perhaps a blessing in disguise. First off, some reviewers have discovered that — in some lighting circumstances — the filters give off a blue tinge. Secondly, the official DJI Avata 2 filters are costly. The official DJI Avata 2 ND Filters Set prices $79.
Sometimes, The Drone Lady tends to keep away from third-party merchandise. They usually find yourself simply breaking extra rapidly, or they’re not fairly off to snuff and have little points. However truly in relation to filters, that’s hardly the case.
Don’t panic simply because Avata 2 filters are offered out just about all over the place
The perfect third-party corporations that make ND filters
DJI has been an skilled in making drones for greater than a decade. It’s morphed into an skilled in making cameras. However a pair different corporations have lengthy been specialists in making lens filters. And I say, go away the job to the crew with the best experience.
That’s corporations like PolarPro, which is predicated in Southern California and is primarily recognized for making filters each for DJI drones and GoPro motion cameras. They producer a number of different motion digital camera equipment and mounts, although their filters are among the many most progressive of their variety. For instance, PolarPro launched the snap-on filter collection in 2012.
PolarPro’s drone filters are custom-engineered with a light-weight aerospace aluminum body to make sure simple set up. High quality is excessive, as PolarPro makes use of industry-leading CinemaSeries glass.
Freewell Gear additionally makes high quality filters. The corporate launched simply after PolarPro, once more providing a substitute for main corporations for area of interest photograph gear and equipment, like drone filters. Their stuff tends to be cheaper than PolarPro and in some methods a bit lesser high quality. However additionally they are inclined to have extra choices when it comes to package sizes and configurations.
The perfect alternate options for DJI Avata 2 filters
And with that, these two corporations provide what I contemplate one of the best alternate options to purchasing Avata 2 filters immediately from DJI. These serve a variety of configurations and budgets, supplying you with extra choices which may change into higher-quality — but extra inexpensive — anyway.
A few of your greatest various choices for the official DJI Avata 2 filters embody:
Freewell ND Filters 4-Pack
For a budget-friendly possibility, Freewell gives a 4-pack of ND filters (ND8, ND16, ND32, ND64) for simply $49.99. This package supplies vary of sunshine discount for varied capturing situations.
Freewell filters are inclined to have a hotter tint that Polar Professional filters.
Freewell particular person filters
Reasonably than forcing you to purchase a 4-pack, Freewell provides customers extra choices by providing every of the filters within the package named above a la carte. Per filter, the worth just isn’t pretty much as good. Shopping for Freewell filters individually prices $19.99 every. Which means you’d pay $80 to purchase all 4 individually, when you may get them within the 4-pack for $50. Should you’re going to purchase three filters, go for the 4-pack. However for those who actually solely need one or two, it can save you with the a la carte possibility.
PolarPro DJI Avata 2 Filter Equipment (Pre-Order)
Should you’re on the lookout for a extra complete answer, PolarPro is providing a 5-filter package (ND8, ND16, ND32, ND64, CPL) for pre-order at $70. This package features a round polarizer filter alongside ND filters, supplying you with extra management over glare and reflections. Annoyingly, it doesn’t ship till June 27, 2024.
If you buy the PolarPro Avata 2 Filter Assortment, you’ll have two choices, the Vivid Assortment, and the Shutter Assortment. Each are considerably related in that they each use Germany-made CinemaSeries glass.
The large distinction? The Vivid Assortment combines two filter results (ND + Polarization) right into a single glass aspect. Use it to scale back shutter speeds and minimize glare particularly in vivid and reflective situations. It’s greatest for drone pilots in search of an ultra-saturated colour aesthetic. No polarization calibration wanted.
The Shutter Assortment is extra versatile, permitting you to scale back shutter speeds to cinematic ranges in all kinds of sunshine situations.
Avata 2 filters: must you wait, or purchase third-party filters now?
Drone pilots, particularly these aiming for skilled or creative outcomes, depend on filters for 2 key causes. Firstly, vivid outside situations can overexpose the digital camera sensor, washing out colours and particulars. ND filters act like sun shades for the digital camera, lowering the quantity of sunshine coming into and stopping this “blown-out” look.
Secondly, ND filters permit for slower shutter speeds, which creates a fascinating movement blur impact in movies, mimicking the cinematic really feel of slow-motion footage. Typically quick shutter speeds simply look means too jittery. Particularly on a fast-flying drone just like the Avata 2, that jittery-ness can compound.
For one of the best footage, you’ll probably need some form of filter in your Avata 2’s digital camera sooner fairly than later. And for those who haven’t been satisfied but, take a look at my deeper dive into how ND filters can enhance your drone pictures.
And whereas I’ve named simply a few respected alternate options, a number of different manufacturers provide suitable ND and PL filters for the Avata 2. When selecting replacements from corporations above the 2 I’ve named, guarantee they’re particularly designed for the Avata 2 to keep away from compatibility points and assure a comfortable match.
So, whereas the official DJI filters is perhaps on short-term maintain, these alternate options from Freewell and PolarPro guarantee your Avata 2 footage maintains that crisp, cinematic high quality. Comfortable flying!
